Franklin claims he drove his Jeep Liberty west on Lincoln Highway on Jan. 24, 2009, at about 1:18 p.m. when he stopped for a traffic light. Suddenly, Taylor, who drove a 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix in the same direction, rear-ended Franklin, according to the complaint.

In addition to his injuries, Franklin became sick, sore, lame and disordered; suffered great pain and anguish; incurred medical costs; and suffered internal derangement of the injured members of his body, the suit states.

Franklin blames Taylor for causing the collision, saying he negligently failed to keep his vehicle under control, failed to see Franklin's vehicle, failed to drive reasonably, failed to reduce his speed to avoid a collision and failed to stop at a reasonable distance.

In his complaint, Franklin seeks a judgment of more than $50,000, plus costs.

Richard G. Reed of Reed and Bruhn in Belleville will be representing him.